Michael grew up in Greer, SC.  He had the luck to learn to how to cook and garden from his grandparents.  As the youngest of 6 children and a house of 10 (parents, grandparents and children), it could be hectic at times.  Helen Mae (grandmother) started showing Michael how to cook.  Francis Marion (grandfather) showed him how to garden.Every spring, Michael would help his grandfather with the garden.  From tomatoes to potatoes to okra to corn, they planted it.  Many times, he would help harvest from the garden and bring the fresh vegetables to the kitchen for that nights dinner.His grandparents grew up in the Shreveport, LA area.  Growing up in this area gave them the opportunity to learn the local flare for cooking and smoking meats.  During the holidays, the family would enjoy a smoked turkey, smoked ham, smoked pheasant and smoked quail wrapped in bacon (quail have no fat and would be bone dry if not for the bacon).Michael counts his blessing that he had the opportunity to learn from two of the greatest people he has ever known.  Now, he takes this love of cooking and regularly cooks for his friends.Mike's Website: https://mikesinthekitchen.com/Mikes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLrAAQ64yOHHr5MzzU3BLQQSupport the show

Robert C. Steele served as a reporter and producer at various radio and television stations in Colorado and Arizona. He was a broadcaster at the Italian National Broadcasting Company (RAI Radio televisione Italiana) in Naples, Italy. He was a reporter for Armed Forces Radio and Television along the coast of Vietnam, the Asian Western Pacific and Vicenza, Italy. He was a volunteer and activist in the early gay liberation movement with the Gay Coalition of Denver and with two weekly gay radio shows in Colorado. Later, as a federal government public affairs officer, he served as a government spokesperson and managed media relations with reporters who worked for media outlets from across the USA and around the world.His book, Banned From California - Jim Foshee, is the true story of a 15-year-old gay runaway who finds himself in the 1950s Los Angeles underground world of homosexuals and early queer culture. Experience Jim Foshee's adventures on the West Coast after hitchhiking from his home 800 miles away in a small Idaho town. Jim lives on the edge. Through his adventures and misadventures, he finds himself among kind-hearted strangers, kindred souls and drag queens as well as con artists, liars and ruthless cops. At a younger age, Jim is institutionalized, placed in an orphanage by his mother, sentenced to a reform school because he runs away so much, and committed to a mental hospital for diagnosed "sexual deviation and sociopathic personality.Jim just wants to break away and live a simple gay life, but his future first includes run-ins with authorities, incarceration, and toiling on a prison chain gang. Be ready for a unique and personal journey you won't soon forget. Jim's vivid remembrances paint a first-hand intimate portrait of times now gone--times of McCarthyism, government hunts for homosexuals and routine firings; but also times of the beats, the hippies and liberation protests.For more information visit our website: BannedCA.comSupport the show

Brian got his start as a stand-up comedian at the The Comedy Cellar in NYC, and he is most known for his appearances on “CONAN”, his half hour Comedy Central special “COMEDY CENTRAL PRESENTS: BRIAN SCOLARO”, as Brian on ABC’s “A MILLION LITTLE THINGS”, as Doug on TBS’s “SULLIVAN AND SON”, Uncle Bill on “TEN YEAR OLD TOM”, Gordon on NBC’s “THREE SISTERS”, and as Stuart on FOX’s “STACKED”. About his role of Stuart Miller on “Stacked”, The LA Times said “Scolaro is terrific. An actual sitcom find.” About his role as Doug on “Sullivan and Son”, Brian Doyle-Murray (Caddyshack) said Brian is “one of the best I’ve ever seen.”Brian has appeared on “DEXTER”, “MAD MEN”, “BONES”, “CASTLE”, “GREY’S ANATOMY,” “THE MIDDLE”, “SUPERIOR DONUTS”, “I’M DYING UP HERE”, “SHAMELESS”,  “ALONE TOGETHER”, “ABBOTT ELEMENTARY”, “HARRY’S LAW,” “MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE”, “THE EXES”, “GIRL MEETS WORLD”,  and has also had recurring roles on “A MILLION LITTLE THINGS”, “KROLL SHOW”, “LIFE AND TIMES OF TIM” and “WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE”.Brian has four comedy albums available on all platforms and is also the author of the book “How to Punch a Monkey” on Amazon. Comedian Tom Rhodes is quoted saying “He has a hugely inventive style and I go out of my way to see him perform whenever I can.” And Marc Maron said on WTF podcast, Brian “might be the funniest fuckin’ person alive.”Check him out: www.brianscolaro.comSupport the show

Our friend, the physician and mommy to two beautiful daughters, Dr. Liz Cho drops by to talk about the past two years of COVID madness, takes some questions, and chats about our favorite show, The Crown. Liz is not only a front-line worker and hero to us all, she is also the proud mommy of two beautiful daughters. We’ll also talk about the craziness of parenting, working, and all to boo-boos that our kids get and what to do about them. Liz was born in Seoul, Korea and moved to the U.S. when she was five years old.  Her family settled in Long Island, NY which was a huge culture shock for her and her family.  Liz stayed there until she moved to Boston to attend  undergraduate school at Tufts University.  She wanted to move back to New York so she went to medical school at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She ended up staying there for her residency in emergency medicine which she completed in 2011.  Liz chose emergency medicine as a career because she loves being able to care for patients when they need care urgently.  Being an emergency physician means she never gets bored at work. She says that It’s definitely not the easiest job in the world, but it can be incredibly rewarding.In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She says, “watching my children grow up before my eyes is probably one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I also love watching Korean dramas, and I am currently learning how to play the violin.”Support the show

My old boss and good friend, Darren Starr, stops by to tell us about StarrData, his successful 12-year Salesforce partner business!StarrData’s mission is to help businesses navigate the world of Salesforce to be more efficient and more profitable. We help companies improve productivity, increase the efficiency of their sales, marketing, and customer service processes, and increase visibility into their business.StarrData Website: starrdata.comStarrData on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarrDataStarrData on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarrDataSupport the show

The two hosts celebrate our 30th episode (actually our 33rd) of Out of Whack by talking about past episodes, outtakes, fart jokes, and anything and everything!If you'd like to ask Lisa and Scott some questions, or ask our upcoming guest Lori Hardacker, for some bad dating advice (she's been dating forever!), leave a message on our voicemail. You could hear your voice on our podcast!!! If you don't want to hear your voice, shoot us an email with your question and we might read it live on one of our episodes! Call Us: (415) 996-5859Email Us: info@outofwhackpod.comWe hope you enjoy this special episode!Support the show

Scott Ayres is the current Content Scientist for the Social Media Lab who conducts extensive tests and research to help social media managers and business owners get the most out of their posts; busting myths along the way.Scott is the co-author of “Facebook All-in-one for Dummies” and Podcast host for Social Media Lab and Social Media Lab LIVE show. He has written over 2000 blog posts on social media topics and has written for 3 blogs to make Social Media Examiner’s “Top Social Media Blogs” list. Scott has been an expert in social media for 10 years. Before Social Media Lab he was the head of content, support, and training at Post Planner where his influence grew their blog to landing the top 10 Social Media Blog list.Scott loves busting myths about social media marketing, even if that means going against what he was taught in the past or is still being taught by “gurus” today. Unlike many social media "experts" Scott brings a real-world approach and perspective that business owners can relate to.Website: https://www.agorapulse.com/social-media-labLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwayneayres/Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/scottwayresTwitter: https://twitter.com/scottayresSupport the show

Stephen joins us again to talk about his new book, The Witch of Amesbury.Stephen grew up wondering whether his seven-times great grandmother really had been practicing witchcraft back in the seventeenth century, and he finally decided to do something about it.So he delved into the historical record and found that a great deal of information is available about the Salem witch hysteria. As a result of his research, he suspects at least one of those hanged had been practicing magic.He also came to believe the oft-given explantation that the so-called victims of the witches faked their symptoms is off the mark.Based in large measure on recent findings of research into the paranormal, this is the true story from a twenty-first century perspective of his ancestor, Susannah North Martin, as well as the others who were executed in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts.Stephen's website: https://www.shmartin.com/Stephen's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shmbooks/Stephen's Books on Amazon: Click Here!Support the show

Philip is a Clinician at the Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County.He is also a proud biracial gay man who grew up in Contra Costa and attended the Rainbow Community Center's youth group as a teenager. He attended UC Santa Cruz for his undergraduate degree before getting his master's degree in counseling at John F. Kennedy University. Philip loves the chance to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ teens, adults, and families in area, especially around working through trauma that many in the community experience. When he's not working, you can find him singing, cooking, dancing, or spending time with his dog, Iris.Visit the Rainbow Center at: https://www.rainbowcc.org/Support the show

Our busy friend and Bay Area aerialist stops by for another fun chat!Thai embodies versatility in his life and performances. He has been professionally training at the Circus Center and with renowned aerial coaches.Thai focuses on smooth lines, clean technique, and powerful movements all the while giving the audience a taste of that Thai spice (I love this part!).Check out some of Thai's moves on his Instagram page:https://www.instagram.com/thailam_aerialistThai’s YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJkubzRYWv4N34ma4obu19wYou can also follow him  on his Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/thai.lam.90Support the show

KARA GOLDIN - Kara is a disruptor. She is the founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., maker of award-winning Hint water, the leading unsweetened flavored water.Kara has received numerous accolades, including being named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Northern California and one of InStyle’s 2019 Badass 50.  Previously, Kara was VP of Shopping Partnerships at America Online. Her first book, Undaunted:  Overcoming Doubts and Doubters, was released October 2020 and is now a WSJ and Amazon Best Seller.  She is an active speaker and writer, and hosts the podcast Unstoppable with Kara Goldin, where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs, and other disruptors across various industries.Kara lives in the Bay Area with her family.Visit the Hint Water Website: https://www.drinkhint.com/Follow Kara on all social handles @KaraGoldin.Support the show

JULIE RUBENSTEIN - My good friend and COVID lockdown survivor is back for a fun and informative chat (more fun than anything!). Julie is a certified Image Consultant and award-winning podcaster, along with co-host Savannah Hawk. Julie’s Fox and Hanger website helps find clothes that support trans women and cross-dressing men’s wardrobe goals and that reflects their personal style. “I believe that dressing for your body type is just as important as your personal style. I love working with people with all different body types and styles. My intuitive nature and deep compassion for human experience is one of my greatest strengths. I am also extremely sensitive but i have learned that it is important to have a sense of humor in the face of adversity,” says Julie.Julie is originally from Massachusetts but lives in Northern Cali with her husband, Scott and her spunky daughter Remy Star. She is a  a trans ally and has a background in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College in Boston, Ma. Hats and Jackets are her weakness and like Cher, she is dyslexic and was super shy as a kid. Fox and Hanger: https://www.foxandhanger.com/The Fox and the Phoenix Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WvvCbG591EiWveqFRB98CSupport the show

Both authors became interested in President Kennedy's assassination at a young age. Zachry's grandparents lived in Dallas in 1963, and saved newspapers from that era. Her grandfather was connected to the Dallas oil industry. Peterson became interested in the assassination in 1978 when she participated in the Presidential Classroom for Young Americans program in Washington, D. C. The two have collected books and artifacts concerning the assassination for years.Both are currently employed by Midland College. The Lone Star Speaks began with a presentation the authors made to the West Texas Historical Symposium in 2014. The presentation soon expanded into a four-year research project that resulted in the authors finding and interviewing more than 150 individuals.Among the most intriguing is Robert T. Davis, who was the Assistant Attorney General in Texas in 1963. As an attorney who was sent to help interview Warren Commission witnesses, Davis immediately sensed that the official investigation was a "whitewash." Davis was one of the first to suggest that the investigation should include Jack Ruby's contacts with Mafia members.Other witnesses whom the authors located include a Lyndon Johnson staff member who was directed by the new President to serve as his eyes and ears in Dallas after the assassination. She personally reported Oswald's death immediately to President Johnson on November 24, 1963.Still another previously unknown witness (who even today insists on anonymity) was part of at least two "abort teams" in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Working with a U. S. Marshall in Dallas that day, he attempted to tell the FBI that more than one assassin had been firing at the President. More than a half-century later, he is still bitter that his information was ignored by officials.Other individuals who have helped the authors add information to the Kennedy assassination puzzle include a personal female friend of President Kennedy, and another woman who spent the late hours of November 21, 1963 with Jack Ruby. The authors also uncovered several individuals who can personally vouch for the fact that there was and is a Dixie/Texas Mafia, and that it may have been involved with the Kennedy assassination.The Lone Star Speaks provides new insights into the assassination of John F. Kennedy and uses actual witness testimony to raise new questions concerning what many have called "the crime of the twentieth century."Support the show

If we all lived half as much life as Toni has, we’d be so lucky!She became an inner-city teacher at Crenshaw High School in Southern California where she taught drama and AP literature .She was the subject of a book called "And Still We Rise" by Miles Corwin - And Still We Rise is an unforgettable story of transcending obstacles that would dash the hopes of any but the most exceptional spirits.She was bff's with Bo Derek - yes, the movie star - and was on a greek island when John Derek left Linda Evans for 15 year old Bo. Toni was abandoned with Bo’s mom and Linda Evans with no way home in a foreign land.She is also friends with Ann Margaret and has lots of old Hollywood tales to tell.She did PR for some more famous people and she's good friends with Shari Belafonte Harper!One of her former AP students wrote a book and dedicated it to Toni as her inspiration.Plus much, much more!Support the show

Shinjini Das became a media proprietor at 26 with experience in software technology consulting and digital marketing strategy. She owns and sells her own branded media properties D2C, directly to her consumers of go-getters around the world, as well as B2B, to businesses looking for empowering media content to attract and engage their target audiences.She has built a global digital community of go-getters looking for motivation and actionable strategies to accomplish their goals who tune into her media content teaching go-getters how to live like a go-getter in life and work across video, audio, social media, and traditional media to the tune of 5 million(s)+ views a month created by the media company she founded at 24.Her experience also includes leading a 15-person team of global freelancers in South Africa and America who partner with her to create, produce, and distribute native and branded media content across a range of native and client media channels.Shinjini serves as a keynote speaker specializing in youth empowerment and women's entrepreneurship in the US Department of State's US Speaker Program, a public diplomacy program encouraging US citizen experts to empower local communities in US Embassy regions, to build stronger mutually beneficial partnerships between US and partner countries.She spoke to 1000s youth and women entrepreneurs in Paraguay and Bolivia in Spanish in 15+ lectures on social media marketing and her digital entrepreneurship journey to encourage them to become go-getters and start digital businesses. Shinjini is also fluent in Bengali and Hindi.Shinjini studied at Georgia Institute of Technology (BS Honors in Industrial and Systems Engineering), where she graduated in 2014 as the Undergraduate Student Commencement Speaker and on the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society Student Advisory Board.Buy Shinjini's Book: https://www.unapologeticallyshinjini.com/Shinjini on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakerShinjini/status/1418055322778968065Support the show

Diane is energized, committed, and passionate about leading wellness conversations around life balance, mental wellness, self-care, self-realization, plant-based nutrition, and whole life wellness. Her joy is seeing individuals adapt health and wellness methods that reduce stress and bring harmonious balance to their lives. She excels at equipping busy professionals with workable wellness advice and strategies that meet their demanding lifestyle. She is an author, consultant, workshop presenter and college instructor who taught stress management and resiliency techniques to Chicago police officers.  Diane is a professional speaker and former podcast show host whose articles have appeared in publications such as the Vegan Street, Plant Pure Nation, New York Times, Balance, Choice, Consulting Magazines, the Active Times, and American Holistic Health Association (AHHA). She has been a guest on numerous podcasts and appeared on television, including a guest appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss successful relationships. Diane has earned Life Coach, Guiding Mindful Change coach certifications and attended the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City and has a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology. For more information about  speaking appearances, podcasts, and access to numerous resources visit her website at www.dianerandallconsults.com.Websitehttp://dianerandallconsults.comWebsite #3https://www.dianerandallconsults.com/jumpstart-your-life/LinkedIn URLhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dianerandallconsults/Instagramhttp://www.instagram.com/dianerandallconsults#DianeRandall #JumpstartYourLife #WholeLiving #Author #mindsetshift #lifebalance #plantbased  Support the show

Patti is a Psychic-Medium and “Good Witch” best known for her recurring role on the Travel Channel’s #1 show GHOST ADVENTURES. She is also the international best selling author of OLD WORLD MAGICK FOR THE MODERN WORLD: TIPS, TRICKS, & TECHNIQUES TO BALANCE, EMPOWER, & CREATE A LIFE YOU LOVE. Patti’s body of work includes appearances on such shows as MASTER CHEF, BEVERLY HILLS PAWN and Jeff Lewis’ FLIPPING OUT. She has graced numerous magazine covers, contributed to over 20 books and conducted seances on radio, film, and TV working with such legends as Jon Voight, Josh Duhamel, Chevy Chase and Gregory Hines. Patti was brought in as a paranormal expert on Ghostly Lovers, Candidly Nicole, Mansion Hunters, Beverly Hills Pawn and dozens more. She has even gotten into the home makeover world on Mobile Home Disaster. In addition to being a host of PSYCHICS GONE WILD on Blogtalk Radio, Patti has been heard on national syndicated radio with Adam Corolla, Jason Ellis and Mancow Muller. Patti's website: www.PattiNegri.com Phone: 323.461.0640 Email: Patti@PattiNegri.com Skype: Patti.Negri Twitter: @PattiNegri Facebook: Facebook.com/PattiNegri#PattiNegri #thegoodwitch #magick #GhostAdventuresSupport the show

Josh is an author and public speaker, sharing his story and educating others about addiction. Joshua believes that if we, as a society, can begin to talk more about pornography addiction and mental health, people may be able to address their addictions before they devolve to the unhealthy and criminal places where his very own hit rock bottom. For years, on the outside, people only saw him as a successful magazine publisher, film festival founder and city councilor. Joshua hid his mental health issues, pornography and alcohol addictions from the world. The end to this façade came in 2013 after engaging a teen girl in an online chatroom. For this action he served six months in jail and credits this experience to being the wake up call needed. Joshua credits his higher-power for giving him the strength to fix his very broken self. Like most in recovery, Joshua understands the issues better than the non-addict. However he does not wish his stories, experiences, thoughts and opinions be misinterpreted as any definitive answers. Does he consider himself a pornography addiction expert? At this point, yes. Unfortunately, it’s not hard to be a pornography addiction expert these days. He does believe that what makes him an expert is that he has a multitude of third-hand knowledge from research and interactions with so many pornography addicts. Joshua’s Website: https://paddictrecovery.com/Support the show

Mari Cartagenova is a Psychic Medium, Animal Communicator, and best-selling Author with clients from all over the globe. She specializes in heartfelt messages from both passed loved ones as well as living or passed fur babies.When you sit with Mari you can really feel the presence of your loved one. Her connections offer specific detail and leave you feeling both at peace and uplifted at the same time.  Mari's guidance during challenging times is supportive, valuable and kind.Mari has trained and worked with many of the top Mediums from all over the world including Lisa Williams, John Holland, Tony Stockwell,  James Van Praagh, and Thomas John.  Get Mari's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Mari-Cartagenova/e/B08251DLLV%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_sharehttps://www.facebook.com/mediummarihttps://twitter.com/mediummarihttps://www.instagram.com/mediummari888/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYfJ05ktGYKvGTbWgI6rhAgSupport the show

Annette stops in to talk about her book about the afterlife. She’s a Certified Public Accountant and an accomplished healthcare executive. Her mother-in-law led her on a path after she died to prove to her that there is an afterlife.Being a hard-wired, analytical, left-side brain dominant person, Annette had to be convinced with visible, tangible, and otherwise unexplainable occurrences. She has connected the dots, so to speak, that spiritual people often take for granted and that non-spiritual people have a difficult time experiencing and believing. She is one of the few people who has been able to experience the other side, without direct access to it. Your Soul Focus is a spiritual book written in a practical way. It unfolds my journey and what Annette has learned through her relatives on the other side, chapter by chapter, containing personal stories and anecdotes applicable to daily life.After understanding that the afterlife is existent, Annette learned how intricate and extensive our souls and our journeys are. It’s fascinating! The information that she’s accumulated and conveyed has a clear and deep benefit to others during their times of need, grief or curiosity, and Your Soul Focus will pass that knowledge to you!Annette’s website: https://www.annettemarinaccio.com/Support the show